The Kansas City Royals won their first World Series this year. They had a few close calls along the way; the pennant race with the Angels was a tight one, and they won their division by only one game. In the playoffs against Toronto, the Royals were down three games to one, but came back and won the series. Against the St. Louis Cardinals, the Royals were again down three games to one, but came back from the brink of defeat to win the championship.

        The Yankees acquired Rickey Henderson in the off-season, hoping that he could get on base in front of their big sluggers. The move worked out well; Henderson scored 146 runs, while Don Mattingly drove home 145. It was a turbulent year in New York; manager Yogi Berra was fired early in the season and replaced by Billy Martin. The Yankees led the league in runs scored and won 97 games, but finished two games behind Toronto. Mattingly's RBI total was the most by any American League player since 1949, and he won the MVP Award.
        Henderson overachieved in his first year in New York; he was caught stealing only 10 times, and hit with more power than ever before. Of the two, I think that Henderson was the better player, though Mattingly was healthier. Mattingly also led the league in both runs produced and total bases; it's a close call, but I will give the edge to Mattingly. But neither player is my choice for the MVP Award.
        The biggest reason for the Royals' success was a monster season from their star third baseman, George Brett. George had his best season since 1980, and his healthiest in years. He was the best hitter in the league, and also reached his peak as a power hitter. Brett really should have won the MVP Award, and he is my choice for this season. As usual, Brett was also a force in the playoffs, hitting three home runs against Toronto, and batting .370 in the series against St. Louis.
        Wade Boggs was another third baseman who had an impressive season. Boggs' total of 240 hits was the most by any player since 1930. Boggs was 27, and was at his peak as a hitter. It was his second batting title, and the third straight season he had had over 200 hits and over 100 runs scored, a streak he would extend for four more seasons. The man who ate chicken before every game and who always took batting practice at 5:17pm, was the best player on a Boston team that a year later would come within a hair of winning the World Series.
        Boggs' career has recently come to an end. He retired with 3010 hits, an amazing total for a guy who had a relatively late start to his career. Boggs had neither power nor speed, but still managed to become one of the best players in baseball. In his prime he was a consistent .360 hitter who had 40+ doubles and over 100 walks a year. He also set a record by leading the league in intentional walks six consecutive years. After ten years of great hitting, Boggs' bat slowed down; the second half of his career was not nearly as impressive as the first. He hung on long enough to win a World Series with the Yankees and pass the 3000-hit mark, and retired as one of the best third basemen ever.